Context
- The Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) is being strengthened by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to promote the welfare, care, protection and dignified living of senior citizens across India.
About Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY)
- AVYAY is a comprehensive scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aimed at promoting healthy, productive and dignified ageing.
- It strengthens both institutional and community-based support systems for senior citizens across India.
- The scheme covers interventions related to shelter, food, healthcare, assistive devices, helpline services, capacity building, caregiver training and active ageing.
Major Components of AVYAY
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Provides shelter, food, medical care and recreational support to senior citizens and promotes active and productive ageing.
- State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC): Provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories to implement interventions according to their specific requirements.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Supports senior citizens through assistive devices.
- Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizens: Provides helpline and support services to senior citizens
- Training of Geriatric Caregivers: Focuses on developing trained caregivers for the elderly.
Significance
- Strengthens institutional care and community-based support for senior citizens
- Enables State- and UT-specific interventions based on local requirements
- Promotes social security, healthcare, dignity and active ageing
- Supports the broader objective of ensuring protection, welfare and empowerment of senior citizens
Conclusion
AVYAY represents a comprehensive approach towards healthy and dignified ageing by combining institutional care, healthcare, financial support, assistive devices and community-based interventions. Through its various components, the scheme seeks to strengthen the welfare, protection and empowerment of senior citizens across India.